Methods and system for self-checking sensor network

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for operating a system that includes an array of sensors are described. In one example, output of sensors included in the array is characterized as being in one of a plurality of states. Diagnostics may be performed on sensors in the array of sensors based on sensors being in one of the plurality of states.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/999,984, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEM FORSELF-CHECKING SENSOR NETWORK”, and filed on Aug. 21, 2020. The entirecontents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present description relates generally to methods and a system foroperating and diagnosing a system that includes a network of sensors.The methods and systems may be applied to verify operation of sensorswithout having to apply redundant sensors.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

A system, such as a vehicle or machine, may include a plurality ofsensors to report operating conditions of the system. Individual sensorsmay provide data regarding states of particular components or operatingconditions. For example, a sensor, such as an accelerometer, may outputlateral (e.g. Y-axis) acceleration, longitudinal (e.g., X-axis)acceleration, and vertical (e.g., Z-axis) acceleration data for a boomof an excavator or digger. The sensor data may be applied to control andlimit motion of the vehicle. However, if output of the sensor degrades(e.g., sensor output deviates from actual conditions being monitored bythe sensor by more than a desired amount), it may be difficult tocontrol the vehicle as precisely as may be desired. Furthermore, thesensor may occasionally perform a self-reset to compensate for sensordrift. However, if the reset is performed when the actual sensor driftis small, error in the sensor output may increase. For at least thesereasons, it may be desirable to verify sensor output. One way to verifyoutput of a sensor is to compare the output of the sensor with output ofa similarly situated redundant sensor. However, a redundant sensorincreases system cost and complexity. Therefore, it may be desirable toprovide a way of verifying sensor output without adding redundantsensors to the system.

The inventor herein has recognized the above-mentioned issues and hasdeveloped a method for operating a system that includes an array ofsensors, comprising: characterizing operation of a first sensor as beingin one of a plurality of sensor states via a controller; characterizingoperation of each of a plurality of sensors as being in one of theplurality of sensor states via the controller; and indicating the firstsensor is degraded via the controller in response to the first sensorbeing in one of the plurality of sensor states and at least one of theplurality of sensors being in a different state than the one of theplurality of sensor states.

By characterizing sensor operation in one of a plurality of states, itmay be possible to assess operation of a particular sensor in an arrayof sensors without having to add redundant sensors to the system. In oneexample, operation of a selected sensor may be characterized as being“stationary,” “holding,” or “active.” Similarly, operation of two othersensors in the system is characterized in the same way. Degradation ofthe selected sensor may be evaluated based on the state of the selectedsensor versus the states of the two other sensors. The two other sensorsare positioned at different locations of the system and the two sensorsprovide output data that is based on their particular physical locationin the system. In this way, operation of one sensor may be based onoperation of two other sensors in the system. This allows sensors thatprovide data for locations in the system that are different than thelocation of the selected sensor to be the basis for evaluating theselected sensor.

The present description may provide several advantages. In particular,the approach may reduce system complexity and cost. Further, theapproach may reduce the possibility of false sensor degradationassessments. In addition, the approach may provide for improvedoperation of a machine by limiting machine operation if sensordegradation is perceived.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introducein simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described inthe detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defineduniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description.Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any partof this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1C show several views of an example vehicle that includes anarray of sensors;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the examplevehicle;

FIGS. 3-7 show a flowchart of a method for operating a system thatincludes an array of sensors; and

FIGS. 8-13 show example operating sequences according to the method ofFIGS. 3-7 and the system of FIGS. 1A-2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods for operating asystem that includes an array of sensors. The sensor array may compriseaccelerometers, gyros, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, positionsensors, audio sensors, range detecting sensors, light sensors, andother types of known sensors. Output of one sensor included in the arrayof sensors, may be estimated via output of other sensors that are notimmediately proximate to the one sensor. In one example, output of asensor being evaluated (e.g., the selected sensor) is converted to anangular rate (e.g., a sensed angular rate) and the angular rate that isdetermined from the one sensor is compared to an angular rate (e.g., areference angular rate) that is determined from output of two differentsensors that are not immediately proximate to the one sensor. If thereference angular rate deviates from the sensed angular rate by morethan a threshold amount, a controller may take mitigating actions.

FIGS. 1A-1C shows several views of an example machine for which angularrate output data of one sensor is compared to angular rate output asdetermined from two “buddy” sensors (e.g., sensors associated withverifying operation of a selected sensor). However, it should beappreciated that the system and methods described herein are not limitedto the type of machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Rather, the system andmethod described herein may be applied to other machines or mechanismssuch as but not limited to cranes, backhoes, motor graders, crawlers,scrapers, etc. Further, the method and system described herein may beapplied to sensors other than accelerometers (e.g., pressure sensors,temperature sensors, position sensors, etc.). FIG. 2 shows an examplecontroller for a self-checking sensor array network. The controller iselectrically coupled to sensors and actuators. FIGS. 3-7 show aflowchart of an example method for operating a system that includes asensor array network. FIGS. 8-13 show example sequences for operatingthe sensor array network and an associated system.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example machine 100 (e.g., a vehicle) thatincludes a plurality of sensors that may be used to determine itsmotion. In this example, machine 100 includes a cab 100 that is coupledto a propulsion device 110 (e.g., a drive track). Cab 100 may rotateabout the drive track 110 via swing gear 112. Boom 132 is coupled to cab100 and it may move relative to cab 100 via hydraulic cylinder 114. Anarm 106 is coupled to the boom 104 such that the arm 106 may pivot aboutthe boom 104. Hydraulic cylinder 116 may extend or retract to cause arm106 to pivot about boom 104. A tool 108 (e.g., a bucket) is coupled toarm 106 and the tool 108 may pivot about the arm 106. Hydraulic cylinder118 may be extended and retracted to cause tool 108 to pivot about arm106. The direction of power delivery is from the cab 100 to the tool 108via the various coupled components (e.g., boom, artic, arm, and tool).Thus, cab 100 is upstream of tool 108 according to the direction ofpower delivery of the system.

Machine 100 also includes an array of 6-axis accelerometers to determinemotion of its various components. Specifically, the array includes a cabpitch and roll sensor 130, a boom sensor 132, an artic sensor 134, anarm sensor 136, and a tool sensor 138. Each of the sensors may determineangular motion of the machine component that it is mounted to and outputthe data via a rotation matrix, quaternion, or Euler angular format. Thesensors may determine angular motion and acceleration via X, Y, and Zaxis accelerometers and gyroscopes that detect angular motion about theX, Y, and Z axis accelerometers. The gyroscopes allow the accelerometerdata to be corrected for sensor offsets that may be due to theaccelerometers physical construction and Newton's Third Law of Motion sothat the sensor may output a more accurate inclination angle as measuredby the sensor.

While the gyroscopes provide data that may improve accuracy of thedetermined inclination angle, their readings or output may drift overtime. For example, a determined rate of motion by the gyro may increasewhen the gyro is not moving or is moving at a constant rate due tosensor drift. If the sensor drift increases too far, the accuracy of thesensor's angular rate of change may degrade such that the sensor'saccuracy may degrade similar to that of a three axis sensor that doesnot include gyroscopic correction. The sensor may perform a gyroscopicoffset reset whenever the sensor determines it is stationary so that theoffset that may be due to drift is removed from the sensor's outputdata. The sensor may perform the gyroscopic reset whenever the sensoroutputs a constant angular rate output. After a reset, the sensorapplies an offset that sets the sensor's angular rate output to zero.However, if the sensor reset is performed when the sensor is actuallymoving at a constant angular rate, the error in the angular rate outputof the sensor may increase as if the gyroscope output had driftedwithout compensation. Therefore, it may be desirable to influence whengyroscopic resets are permitted and/or to perform mitigating actions ifa sensor reset is performed when a sensor reset may not be desired.

FIG. 1A shows a side elevation view of machine 100 referenced tocoordinate system 150. The vertical axis 151 of coordinate system 150may be referred to as the Z-axis. The longitudinal axis 152 ofcoordinate system 150 may be referred to as the X-axis. A gradient anglemay lie between the X-axis and the Z-axis as indicated by arrow 155. Forexample, the gradient angle may be a value of 0° and the gradient anglemay increase toward a value of 90° as indicated by arrow 155. Thus, ifcab sensor 130 is parallel with earth ground below the drive track 110,the cab sensor 130 may indicate a gradient angle of 0° Likewise, thegradient values of the other sensors may be indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a plan view of machine 100 is shown toillustrate slew angle. The components described and numbered in FIG. 1Aare indicated by the same numbers in FIG. 1B. The plan view of machine100 is referenced to the coordinate system 150. The longitudinal axis152 of coordinate system 150 may be referred to as the X-axis. Thelateral axis 153 of coordinate system 150 may be referred to as theY-axis. A slew angle may lie between the X-axis and the Y-axis asindicated by arrow 156. For example, the slew angle may be a value ofand the slew angle may increase toward a value of 90° as indicated byarrow 156. Thus, if cab sensor 130 shown in FIG. 1A is parallel with thedrive track 110, the cab sensor 130 may indicate a slew angle of 0°.Likewise, the slew angle values of the other sensors may be indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, a rear elevation view of machine 100 is shownto illustrate cant angle. The components described and numbered in FIG.1A are indicated by the same numbers in FIG. 1C. The rear elevation viewof machine 100 is referenced to the coordinate system 150. The verticalaxis 151 of coordinate system 150 may be referred to as the Z-axis. Thelateral axis 153 of coordinate system 150 may be referred to as theY-axis. A cant angle may lie between the Z-axis and the Y-axis asindicated by arrow 157. For example, the cant angle may be a value of 0°and the cant angle may increase toward a value of 90° as indicated byarrow 157. Thus, if cab sensor 130 shown in FIG. 1A is perpendicularwith the drive track 110 and earth ground, the cab sensor 130 mayindicate a cant angle of 0° Likewise, the cant angle values of the othersensors may be indicated. Referring now to FIG. 2 , an example controlsystem for machine 100 is shown. Controller 212 may be in electricalcommunication with actuators 220 and sensors 130-138. The actuators 220may include hydraulic cylinders as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, hydraulicpressure control valves to control the hydraulic cylinders, electricmachines (e.g., motors), pneumatic machines, etcetera that may adjustoperating states of machine 100. Controller 212 may receive data fromand supply data to human/machine interface 230 (e.g., a touch panel ordisplay).

Controller 12 may include a processor 202, read-only memory(non-transitory memory) 206, random access memory 208, andinputs/outputs 205 (e.g., digital inputs, digital outputs, analoginputs, analog outputs, counters/timers, and communications ports).Controller 12 may communicate with sensors 130-138 via a controller areanetwork 220. Alternatively, controller 12 may communicate with sensors130-138 via dedicated analog or digital inputs/outputs. Further,controller 12 may communicate with actuators 220 via controller areanetwork 220 of via dedicated output channels as shown in FIG. 2 .

Thus, the system of FIGS. 1A-2 provides for a system for a machine thatincludes a plurality of sensors, comprising: a plurality of coupledcomponents including at least one sensor coupled to each of theplurality of coupled components; a controller including a non-transitorycomputer readable medium having executable instructions to characterizeoperation of the at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality ofcoupled components into one state included in a group of statescomprising “stationary,” “holding,” and “active,” and executableinstructions to adjust a device in response to states of a selectedsensor and two other sensors. The system further comprises additionalexecutable instructions to start a timer in response to the states ofthe selected sensor and the two other sensors. The system furthercomprises additional executable instructions to deactivate diagnosticsfor the at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of coupledcomponents in response to an angular rate of one sensor changing morethan a threshold amount. The system includes where the angular rate ofthe one sensor changes by more than the threshold amount between twoexecution cycles of a sensor monitoring algorithm. The system furthercomprises additional instructions to activate diagnostics for the atleast one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of coupled componentsin response to an angular rate of one sensor changing more than athreshold amount. The system further comprises additional instructionsto activate diagnostics for the at least one sensor coupled to each ofthe plurality of coupled components in further response to an angularrate of motion indicated by one or more of the at least one sensorcoupled to each of the plurality of coupled components exceeding athreshold rate. The system further comprises additional instructions toactivate diagnostics for the at least one sensor coupled to each of theplurality of coupled components in further response to the machine beingstationary for a threshold amount of time.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7 , flowchart of a method for operating asystem that includes an array of sensors is shown. The method of FIGS.3-7 may be incorporated into and may cooperate with the system of FIGS.1A-2 . Further, at least portions of the method of FIGS. 3-7 may beincorporated as executable instructions stored in non-transitory memoryof a computing system (e.g., controller 212) while other portions of themethod may be performed via the computing system transforming operatingstates of devices and actuators in the physical world. For example, thecomputing system may notify an operator or temporarily suspend operationof a machine in response to sensor output. The method of FIGS. 3-7 maybe executed via a controller at predetermined time intervals (e.g.,every 10 milliseconds).

At 302, method 300 receives or imports data from each sensor in thesensor array. The sensor data may be received via the controller viaanalog inputs, digital inputs, or serial/parallel or network inputs. Thedata are imported from the sensors each time method 300 is executed.Thus, for a system that executes method 300 every 10 milliseconds, anamount of time between two adjacent sensor data samples of a same sensoris 10 milliseconds, which may be equal to an amount of time betweenexecution cycles of method 300. Method 300 proceeds to 304.

At 304, method 300 converts inclination angle data from the sensors fromtheir 0-360 degree values to values ranging between −180 degrees to 180degrees. In one example, the 180 degrees are subtracted from theinclination angle data of each sensor to convert the inclination angleprovided by each sensor to the −180 to 180 degree range. Method 300proceeds to 306.

At 306, method 300 selects data input to the controller from the boomsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 308.

At 308, method 300 judges if the presently selected sensor has beenmounted upside down. In one example, method 300 may judge that theselected sensor is mounted upside down based on a configuration that isinput to the controller via an engineer performing a class configurationfor the particular machine or vehicle model. If method 300 judges thatthe presently selected sensor has been mounted upside down, then theanswer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 310. Otherwise, the answer isno and method 300 proceeds to 312.

At 310, method 300 inverts the angular rate values for the presentlyselected sensor. In one example, method 300 inverts the angular ratevalues via defining OutAnglelnplane=−InAngleInplane, whereInAngleInplane is data from the sensor of a plane and OutAngleInplane isthe adjusted angular rate value. Method 300 proceeds to 312.

At 312, method 300 converts angular rates in the selected sensor's localsensor coordinate system to the angular rates in the global machinecoordinate system. The selected sensor outputs angular rates about eachof its X, Y, and Z axes. The angular rates for the selected sensor maybe determined via the following matrix equations:

$\begin{bmatrix}X_{Global} \\Y_{Global} \\Z_{Global}\end{bmatrix} = {\begin{bmatrix}{\cos(\theta)} & {- {\sin(\theta)}} & 0 \\{{\sin(\theta)} \cdot {\cos(\varphi)}} & {{- {\cos(\theta)}} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {- {\sin(\varphi)}} \\{{\sin(\theta)} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {{- {\cos(\theta)}} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {\cos(\varphi)}\end{bmatrix}.\begin{bmatrix}X_{Local} \\Y_{Local} \\Z_{Local}\end{bmatrix}}$ $A = {\begin{bmatrix}X_{Global} \\Y_{Global} \\Z_{Global}\end{bmatrix} = {{Output}{Matrix}}}$ $B = {\begin{bmatrix}{\cos(\theta)} & {- {\sin(\theta)}} & 0 \\{{\sin(\theta)} \cdot {\cos(\varphi)}} & {{- {\cos(\theta)}} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {- {\sin(\varphi)}} \\{{\sin(\theta)} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {{- {\cos(\theta)}} \cdot {\sin(\varphi)}} & {\cos(\varphi)}\end{bmatrix} = {{translation}{matrix}}}$ $C = {\begin{bmatrix}X_{Local} \\Y_{Local} \\Z_{Local}\end{bmatrix} = {{Input}{Matrix}}}$

where θ is gradient angle and φ is the cant angle, X_(Global) is themachine's or vehicle's X axis, Y_(Global) is the machine's or vehicle'sY axis, and Z_(Global) is the machine's or vehicle's Z axis, X_(Local)is the selected sensor's X axis, Y_(Local) is the selected sensor's Yaxis, and Z_(Local) is the selected sensor's Z axis. Method 300 proceedsto 314.

At 314, method 300 judges if output of all the sensors has beenconverted to the machine's global coordinate system. If so, the answeris yes and method 300 proceeds to 316. Otherwise, the answer is no andmethod 300 proceeds to 309.

At 309, method 300 selects a next sensor to convert coordinates. Forexample, if the angular rates of the cab position sensor have beenconverted to the global machine coordinates, then the boom sensor'soutput data may be converted next. Method 300 returns to 308.

At 316, method 300 selects angular data from the boom sensor. Method 300proceeds to 318.

At 318, method 300 converts angular rates in the machine's or vehicle'sX, Y, and Z axes to gradient angular rate, cant angular rate, and slewangular rate. The angular rates for the selected sensor may bedetermined via the following matrix equations:

$\begin{bmatrix}G_{angular\_ rate} \\C_{angular\_ rate} \\S_{angular\_ rate}\end{bmatrix} = {\begin{bmatrix}{\sin(\gamma)} & 0 & {\cos(\gamma)} \\{\cos(\gamma)} & 0 & {\sin(\gamma)} \\0 & 1 & 0\end{bmatrix}.\begin{bmatrix}X_{Global} \\Y_{Global} \\Z_{Global}\end{bmatrix}}$ $A = {\begin{bmatrix}G_{angular\_ rate} \\C_{angular\_ rate} \\S_{angular\_ rate}\end{bmatrix} = {{Output}{Matrix}}}$ $B = {\begin{bmatrix}{\sin(\gamma)} & 0 & {\cos(\gamma)} \\{\cos(\gamma)} & 0 & {\sin(\gamma)} \\0 & 1 & 0\end{bmatrix} = {{translation}{matrix}}}$ $C = {\begin{bmatrix}X_{Global} \\Y_{Global} \\Z_{Global}\end{bmatrix} = {{Input}{matrix}}}$

where γ is slew angle, G_(angular_rate) is the machine's or vehicle'sgradient angular rate, C_(angular_rate) is the machine's or vehicle'scant angular rate, and S_(angular_rate) is the machine's or vehicle'sslew angular rate. Method 300 proceeds to 320.

At 320, method 300 judges if axis angular rates have been converted toGradient, cant, and slew. If so, the answer is yes and method 300proceeds to 322. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to319.

At 319, method 300 selects a next sensor to convert coordinates. Forexample, if the global angular rates for a boom sensor have beenconverted to gradient, cant, and slew, then the boom sensor's outputdata may be converted next. Method 300 returns to 318.

At 322, method 300 determines the cab inclination angle. The boom iscompared to the angle of the machine cab (e.g., the boom's referencecomponent) to determine if the boom inclination sensor output is withina bounded range. Reference components are components that are positionedclosest upstream to the component that includes the selected sensor. Thereference component's sensor is used to determine if the selected sensoris reporting outside physical limits of the component that is downstreamof the reference component. To accomplish this, a relative angle isdetermined between two components. Thus, The cab angle may be determinedvia the following equation:

CabInclinationAngle=AngGradient×cos(γ)+AngCant×sin(γ)

where CabInclinationAngle is the cab inclination angle, AngGradient isthe gradient angle, and AngCant is the cant angle, the AngGradient andAngCant parameter values may be directly imported via the selectedsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 324.

At 324, method 300 selects data input to the controller from the boomsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 326.

At 326, method 300 determines the angular rate of the selected sensorfrom the selected sensor's inclination angle data. The selected sensor'sinclination angle data may range from −180 to 180 degrees after theselected sensor's inclination angle data has been converted from a 0-360degree range. Method 300 may retrieve the selected sensor's inclinationangle data from step 304 of FIG. 3 . Method 300 proceeds to 328.

At 328, method 300 judges if the inclination sensor angular rate isgreater than a first threshold (e.g., a moving threshold of 7.5degrees/second). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to329. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 330.

At 329, method 300 sets the component state to “active.” For example, ifthe selected sensor is a boom sensor, and the boom angular rate isgreater than 7.5 degrees/second, then the state of the boom may be setto “active.” Method 300 proceeds to 334.

At 330, method 300 judges if the inclination sensor angular rate isgreater than a second threshold (e.g., a moving threshold of 1.1degrees/second). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to331. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 332.

At 331, method 300 sets the component state to “holding.” For example,if the selected sensor is a boom sensor, and the boom angular rate isless than 7.5 degrees/second and greater than 1.1 degrees/second, thenthe state of the boom may be set to “holding.” Method 300 proceeds to334.

At 332, method 300 sets the component state to “stationary.” Forexample, if the sensor is a boom sensor, and the boom angular rate isless than 1.1 degrees/second, then the state of the boom may be set to“stationary.” Method 300 proceeds to 332.

At 334, method 300 determines if component states for all sensors havebeen determined. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to336. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 335.

At 335, method 300 selects a next sensor for which the next sensor'sinclination angular rate is to be classified as “active,” “stationary,”or “holding.” For example, if the inclination angle for the boom sensorhas been determined, then the next sensor's output data to be classifiedmay be the artic sensor's output data. Method 300 returns to 326.

At 336, method 300 selects data input to the controller from the boomsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 338.

At 338, method 300 determines the angular rate of the selected sensorfrom the selected sensor's cant angle data. Method 300 may retrieve theselected sensor's cant angle data from step 302 of FIG. 3 . Method 300proceeds to 340.

At 340, method 300 judges if the selected sensor's cant angular rate isgreater than a first threshold (e.g., a moving threshold of 8.5degrees/second). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to342. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 341.

At 341, method 300 sets the component state to “active.” For example, ifthe selected sensor is a boom sensor, and the boom angular rate isgreater than 8.5 degrees/second, then the state of the boom may be setto “active.” Method 300 proceeds to 346.

At 342, method 300 judges if the selected sensor's cant angular rate isgreater than a second threshold (e.g., a moving threshold of 0.2degrees/second). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to343. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 344.

At 343, method 300 sets the component state to “holding.” For example,if the selected sensor is a boom sensor, and the boom cant angular rateis less than 8.5 degrees/second and greater than 0.2 degrees/second,then the state of the boom cant may be set to “holding.” Method 300proceeds to 346.

At 344, method 300 sets the component state to “stationary.” Forexample, if the selected sensor is a boom cant sensor, and the boom cantangular rate is less than 1.1 degrees/second, then the state of the boomcant sensor may be set to “stationary.” Method 300 proceeds to 346.

At 346, method 300 determines if component states for all planes havebeen determined. For example, method 300 judges if cant, slew, andgradient angular rates have been characterized as “stationary,”“holding,” or “active.” If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceedsto 348. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 347.

At 347, method 300 selects a next plane for which the selected sensor'splane angular rate is to be classified as “active,” “stationary,” or“holding.” For example, if the cant angle for the boom sensor has beencharacterized as “active,” “stationary,” or “holding,” then the slewrate of the boom sensor's output data may be selected to becharacterized next. Method 300 returns to 340.

At 348, method 300 judges if component states have been determined forall sensors. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 350.Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 349. For example,if the component states for the boom sensor have been characterized as“holding,” “stationary,” or “active,” then the arm sensor's output datamay be selected for characterizing as “holding,” “stationary,” or“active.”

At 349, method 300 selects a next sensor for evaluating componentstates. For example, if the present sensor is a boom sensor, the nextsensor may be an artic sensor. Method 300 returns to 338.

At 350, method 300 selects data input to the controller from the boomsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 352.

At 352, method 300 judges if a present angular rate, as determined at326 of FIG. 4 , of the selected sensor is less than 25% of animmediately prior angular rate of the selected sensor. If so, the answeris yes and method 300 proceeds to 354. Otherwise, the answer is no andmethod 300 proceeds to 358. Method 300 evaluates the angular rate of theselected sensor to determine if the angular rate of the selected sensorhas change by more than 75% of its value in one time step (e.g., a timebetween execution intervals of the controller that monitors operatingstates of the sensors in the sensor network). Such operation of thesensor may be indicative of the sensor being internally reset. Further,method 300 may require that the angular rate is greater than apredetermined number of degrees (e.g., 5 degrees/second) to establishthat a sensor reset has occurred.

At 354, method 300 sets a sensor reset flag (e.g., a word in controllermemory) is set to a Boolean true state to indicate that the selectedsensor being evaluated has experienced an internal reset. The internalreset may be activated as previously mentioned to improve sensoraccuracy when the sensor determines that it is not moving according togyro output. Method 300 proceeds to 356.

At 358, method 300 judges if the selected sensor reset flag is set to atrue state. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 360.Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 356.

At 360, method 300 judges if the present angular rate of the selectedsensor is less than 25% of the selected sensor's immediately priorangular rate value. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to362. Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 356.

Further, method 300 may also require that the angular rate is greaterthan a predetermined number of degrees (e.g., 5 degrees/second) and themachine has been stationary for a predetermined amount of time toestablish that a sensor reset has occurred. In other words, at 360 ifthe angular rate of the selected sensor indicates a reset after thereset determined at 352, then it may be determined that the presentreset is a corrective reset by the selected sensor and that the selectedsensor is fully operational again.

At 362, method 300 sets the selected sensor's reset flag to a state offalse. Method 300 proceeds to 356.

At 356, method 300 judges if reset states for all sensors (e.g., cab,boom, artic, arm, and tool) have been determined. Method 300 mayinternally track which sensors have been evaluated for resets. If method300 judges that reset states for all sensors have been determined, theanswer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 366. Otherwise, method 300proceeds to 364.

At 364, method 300 selects a next sensor for evaluating componentstates. For example, if the present sensor is a boom sensor, the nextsensor may be an artic sensor. Method 300 returns to 352.

At 366, method 300 judges if any of the component reset flags are settrue. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 368.Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 374. One of thecomponent flags of a selected sensor in the sensor array may be set truewhen gradient motion, slew motion, or cant motion for a selected sensorin the sensor array changes by more than 75% of its previous valuebetween executions of the present method as previously described.

At 368, method 300 judges if a boundary limit is active or if themachine is lifting greater than a threshold amount of weight. If so, theanswer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 370. Otherwise, the answer isno and method 300 proceeds to 372. The boundary limits may be input viaa machine operator or they may be preprogrammed via the machine'smanufacturer. The boundary limits may require that threshold angularvelocities of slew, cant, and gradient not be exceeded so that desiredmachine operation may be provided. Further, the boundary limits mayinclude thresholds that limit vehicle cant and gradient values so thatdesired machine operation may be provided.

At 370, method 300 deactivates sensor diagnostics and notifies a machineoperator to temporarily stop the machine. The machine operator may benotified via a human/machine interface, audible sound, or other means.In some examples, the controller may cease machine movement viacommanding one or more actuators (e.g., electric machines, hydrauliccylinders, etc.) to cease movement of the machine. Alternatively, themachine may be moved to a predetermined position at a predetermined rateof speed when boundary limits have been exceeded. The sensor diagnosticsare temporarily deactivated so that sensor output errors may not beincreased. By fully stopping the machine via the operator or via thecontroller, each sensor may be reset to remove offset errors from eachof the respective sensors. The machine may resume operation after eachsensor has been reset. Specifying the sensor reset may reduce thepossibility of the sensors outputting data that may be less reliablethan may be desired. In still other examples, the machine may be allowedto continue to operate, but at a lower capacity. For example, themachine may not be permitted to rotate above a predetermined speed.Method 300 proceeds to exit.

At 372, method 300 temporarily deactivates sensor diagnostics. Thesensor diagnostics may be temporarily deactivated because theinclination sensor data may not be as reliable as may be desired.Deactivating the sensor diagnostics may reduce a possibility of falsepositive errors. Method 300 proceeds to 374.

At 374, method 300 selects data input to the controller from the boomsensor. Method 300 proceeds to 376. Sensor diagnostics may begin byselecting an initial sensor to evaluate, such as the boom sensor.

At 376, method 300 chooses “buddy” sensors for the selected sensor anddetermines a relative inclination angle. The relative inclination angleis an angle that is between two components. In one example, method 300selects two sensors that are positioned immediately downstream of theselected sensor according to a direction of power flow through themachine to be “buddy” sensors to the selected sensor. Thus, if the boomsensor is the selected sensor, then the artic sensor and the arm sensormay be selected to be “buddy” sensors with the boom sensor. If this isnot possible, method 300 may select the next available sensorsdownstream of the selected sensor as “buddy” sensors. If it is notpossible to find two “buddy” sensors downstream of the selected sensor,then method 300 may select a sensor that is immediately upstream of theselected sensor. If the selected sensor is located at an end of themachine's torque or energy transfer mechanism (e.g., the tool sensor ofFIG. 1A), then one “buddy” sensor may be located upstream of theselected sensor and angular rate of a gyro of the selected sensor may beused in place of a second “buddy” sensor. The relative inclination anglemay be determined via the following equation:

RelIncAng=Ref ComIncAng−IncAngSS

where RelIncAng is the relative inclination angle between components,RefComIncAng is the reference component inclination angle, and IncAngSSis the inclination angle of the selected sensor. Method 300 proceeds to378.

At 378, method 300 judges if the selected component is characterized as“stationary” and either of the selected sensor's buddy sensors arecharacterized as “active,” then the answer is yes and method 300proceeds to 380. Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 379. In this way,method 300 determines if the sensor of the selected component (e.g., theboom sensor) is indicating no or very low level or rate of movement andat least one of its “buddy” sensors is indicating a relatively highlevel or rate of movement. Such conditions may indicate that theselected sensor is outputting angular data that may be less than isexpected, thereby indicating that the selected sensor may be degraded(e.g., the selected sensor may not be outputting expected values).

At 379, method 300 decrements a value of a stuck low timer that isassociated with the selected sensor. For example, if a stuck low timervalue is 0.1 and the time decrement is 0.01 seconds, then the value inthe stuck low timer may be revised to 0.09. The stuck low timer may be atimer that is in controller memory and it may reflect an amount of timethat output of a selected sensor is low without output of its “buddy”sensors being low. Method 300 proceeds to 382.

At 380, method 300 increments a value of the stuck low timer that isassociated with the selected sensor. For example, if a stuck low timervalue is 0.1 and the time increment is 0.01 seconds, then the value inthe stuck low timer may be revised to 0.11. The stuck low timer may be atimer that is in controller memory and it may reflect an amount of timethat output of a selected sensor is low without output of its “buddy”sensors being low. Method 300 proceeds to 382.

At 382, method 300 judges if the selected component is characterized as“active” and both of the selected sensor's buddy sensors arecharacterized as “stationary,” then the answer is yes and method 300proceeds to 384. Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 383. In this way,method 300 determines if the sensor of the selected component (e.g., theboom sensor) is indicating a high level or rate of movement and both ofits “buddy” sensors are indicating a high level or rate of movement. Ifso, such conditions may indicate that the selected sensor is outputtingangular data that may be greater than is expected, thereby indicatingthat the selected sensor may be degraded (e.g., the selected sensor maynot be outputting expected values).

At 383, method 300 decrements a value of a stuck high timer that isassociated with the selected sensor. For example, if a stuck high timervalue is 0.1 and the time decrement is 0.01 seconds, then the value inthe stuck high timer may be revised to 0.09. The stuck high timer may bea timer that is in controller memory and it may reflect an amount oftime that output of a selected sensor is high without output of its“buddy” sensors being high. Method 300 proceeds to 386.

At 384, method 300 increments a value of the stuck high timer that isassociated with the selected sensor. For example, if a stuck high timervalue is 0.1 and the time increment is 0.01 seconds, then the value inthe stuck high timer may be revised to 0.11. The stuck high timer may bea timer that is in controller memory and it may reflect an amount oftime that output of a selected sensor is high without output of its“buddy” sensors being high. Method 300 proceeds to 386.

At 388, method 300 judges if the angular rate of motion of the selectedsensor is greater than a predetermined physical limit (e.g., 10degrees/second). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to388. Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 387. In this way, method 300determines if the sensor of the selected component (e.g., the boomsensor) is indicating a higher angular motion rate than may be realizedby the component associated with the selected sensor. Such conditionsmay indicate that the selected sensor is outputting angular data thatmay be greater than is realizable, thereby indicating that the selectedsensor may be degraded (e.g., the selected sensor may not be outputtingexpected values).

At 387, method 300 decrements a value of an angular rate high timer thatis associated with the selected sensor. For example, if an angular ratehigh timer value is 0.1 and the time decrement is 0.01 seconds, then thevalue in the angular rate high timer may be revised to 0.09. The angularrate high timer may be a timer that is in controller memory and it mayreflect an amount of time that output of a selected sensor is higherthan may be expected. Method 300 proceeds to 390.

At 388, method 300 increments a value of the angular rate high timerthat is associated with the selected sensor. For example, if an angularrate high timer value is 0.1 and the time increment is 0.01 seconds,then the value in the angular rate high timer may be revised to 0.11.Method 300 proceeds to 390.

At 390, method 300 judges if the inclination angle of the selectedsensor is greater than a predetermined physical limit (e.g., 180degrees). If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 392.Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 391. In this way, method 300determines if the sensor of the selected component (e.g., the boomsensor) is indicating a higher inclination angle than may be realized bythe component associated with the selected sensor. Such conditions mayindicate that the selected sensor is outputting inclination angle datathat may be greater than is realizable, thereby indicating that theselected sensor may be degraded (e.g., the selected sensor may not beoutputting expected values).

At 391, method 300 decrements an out of bounds timer that is associatedwith the selected sensor. For example, if an out of bounds timer valueis 0.1 and the time decrement is 0.01 seconds, then the value in the outof bounds timer may be revised to 0.09. The out of bounds timer may be atimer that is in controller memory and it may reflect an amount of timethat output of a selected sensor is not within an expected range. Method300 proceeds to 394.

At 392, method 300 increments a value of the out of bounds timer that isassociated with the selected sensor. For example, if the out of boundstimer value is 0.1 and the time increment is 0.01 seconds, then thevalue in the out of bounds timer may be revised to 0.11. Method 300proceeds to 394.

At 394, method 300 judges if any of the timers previously mentioned havea value greater than a predetermined value. For example, method 300 mayjudge if the timers have a value greater than 0.5 seconds. If so, theanswer is yes and method 300 proceeds to 396. Otherwise, the answer isno and method 300 proceeds to 398.

At 396, method 300 may command machine or vehicle actuators to ceasemovement of the vehicle or machine. In one example, method 300 maycommand hydraulic cylinders, electric machines, or pneumatic devices tocease movement, thereby ceasing movement of the machine or vehicle. Inaddition, method 300 may notify the vehicle or machine operator thatdiagnostics have indicated sensor degradation via a human/machineinterface. In other examples, the machine may be allowed to continue tooperate, but at a lower capacity. For example, the machine may not bepermitted to rotate above a predetermined speed. Method 300 proceeds to398.

At 398, method 300 judges if diagnostics for all sensors have beenperformed. If so, the answer is yes and method 300 proceeds to exit.Otherwise, the answer is no and method 300 proceeds to 399.

At 399, method 300 selects a next sensor for evaluating componentstates. For example, if the present sensor is a boom sensor, the nextsensor may be an artic sensor. Method 300 returns to 376.

In this way, operation of sensors that are a part of a sensor array maybe evaluated. If sensor output is out of range or is inconsistent with“buddy” sensors, then operation of the machine or vehicle may be ceasedor reduced in capacity.

Thus, the method of FIGS. 3-7 provides for a method for operating asystem that includes an array of sensors, comprising: characterizingoperation of a first sensor as being in one of a plurality of sensorstates via a controller; characterizing operation of each of a pluralityof sensors as being in one of the plurality of sensor states via thecontroller; and indicating the first sensor is degraded via thecontroller in response to the first sensor being in one of the pluralityof sensor states and at least one of the plurality of sensors being in adifferent state than the one of the plurality of sensor states. Theindication may be provided via a device such as a human/machineinterface or via stopping or reducing capacity of a machine viaadjusting operation of actuators of the machine. The method includeswhere the plurality of sensors comprises an actual total of two sensors.The method includes where the plurality of sensor states include“stationary,” “holding,” and “active.” The method includes where thefirst sensor is in a “stationary” state, and where the at least one ofthe plurality of sensors is in an “active” state. The method includeswhere the plurality of sensor states are based on angular motion. Themethod includes where the plurality of sensors are “buddy” sensors thatare located along a path of power transfer between coupled components.The method includes where the “buddy” sensors are located downstream ofthe first sensor according to a direction of power transfer through thecoupled components. The method includes where indicating includesadjusting an operating state of a device.

The method of FIGS. 3-7 also provides for a method for operating asystem that includes an array of sensors, comprising: deactivatingdiagnostics of the array of sensors in response to a sensor outputchanging by more than a threshold amount between execution cycles of asensor monitoring algorithm; and activating diagnostics of the array ofsensors in response to the sensor output changing by more than thethreshold amount between execution cycles of the sensor monitoringalgorithm after the diagnostics of the array of sensors have beendeactivated. The diagnostics evaluate whether or not sensors in thearray of sensors operate in an expected way. The method furthercomprises deactivating the diagnostics of the array of sensors infurther response to an angular rate indicated by the sensor outputexceeding a predetermined value.

In some examples, the method further comprises activating thediagnostics of the array of sensors in further response to an angularrate indicated by the sensor output exceeding a predetermined value. Themethod further comprising activating the diagnostics of the array ofsensors in further response to a machine being stationary for apredetermined amount of time. The method further comprises providing anindication to an operator of a machine in response to a boundary limitof the machine being exceeded after deactivating the diagnostics.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 8 shows an example operatingsequence where output of a selected sensor is lower than may beexpected. The plots of FIG. 8 are aligned in time and occur at the sametime.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 8 is a plot of an operating state ofa selected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents the state ofthe selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and the sensor is in an“active” state when trace 802 is at the level of “A.” The sensor is in a“holding” state when trace 802 is at a level of “H.” The sensor is in a“stationary” state when trace 802 is at a level of “S.” The horizontalaxis represents time and time increases from the left side of the figureto the right side of the figure. Trace 802 represents the state of theselected sensor.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 8 is a plot of an operating stateof a first buddy sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents thestate of the first buddy sensor (e.g., an artic sensor) and the first“buddy” sensor is in an “active” state when trace 804 is at the level of“A.” The first buddy sensor is in a “holding” state when trace 804 is ata level of “H.” The first “buddy” sensor is in a “stationary” state whentrace 804 is at a level of “S.” The horizontal axis represents time andtime increases from the left side of the figure to the right side of thefigure. Trace 804 represents the state of the first “buddy” selectedsensor.

The third plot from the top of FIG. 8 is a plot of an operating state ofa second buddy sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents thestate of the second buddy sensor (e.g., an arm sensor) and the second“buddy” sensor is in an “active” state when trace 806 is at the level of“A.” The second buddy sensor is in a “holding” state when trace 806 isat a level of “H.” The second “buddy” sensor is in a “stationary” statewhen trace 806 is at a level of “S.” The horizontal axis represents timeand time increases from the left side of the figure to the right side ofthe figure. Trace 806 represents the state of the second “buddy”selected sensor.

The fourth plot from the top of FIG. 8 is a plot of a value stored in astuck low timer versus time. The vertical axis represents an amount oftime that is accumulated in the stuck low timer and the amount of timeincreases in the direction of the vertical axis arrow. The horizontalaxis represents time and time increases from the left side of the figureto the right side of the figure. Trace 808 represents the amount of timethat is stored in the stuck low timer. Horizontal line 850 represents athreshold amount of time that when exceeded by the stuck low timercauses mitigating actions to be taken (e.g., temporarily deactivate thevehicle or machine).

The fifth plot from the top of FIG. 8 is a plot of a vehicle or machineoperating state versus time. The vertical axis represents the operatingstate of the vehicle or machine. The vehicle or machine is on oroperating when trace 810 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis.The vehicle or machine is off or not operating when trace 810 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. Trace 810 represents theoperating state of the vehicle or machine. The horizontal axisrepresents time and time increases from the left side of the figure tothe right side of the figure.

At time t0, the selected sensor state, state of the 1^(st) buddy sensorof the selected sensor, and state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensor of theselected buddy sensor are all indicating “active” states. The stuck lowtimer value is zero and the vehicle is operating.

At time t1, the selected sensor state transitions to “stationary” whilethe states of the state of the 1^(st) buddy sensor of the selectedsensor and the state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensor of the selected buddysensor are indicating “active.” Thus, the selected sensor output becomesdegraded as compared to its expected output. The value in the stuck lowtimer begins to increase and the vehicle remains activated.

At time t2, the value in the stuck low timer exceeds threshold 850,which causes the vehicle to be deactivated. The selected sensor stateremains “stationary” while the states of the state of the 1^(st) buddysensor of the selected sensor and the state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensorof the selected buddy sensor are indicating “active.”

In this way, outputs of two or more sensors may be characterizedaccording to motion of the sensors and an indication of degradation of aselected sensor may be based on characterizations of the sensors. If aselected sensor is indicated as degraded, the vehicle or machine maystop moving or its movement may be limited such that it is onlypermitted to operate at a fraction of its maximum speed.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 9 shows an example operatingsequence where output of a selected sensor is higher than may beexpected. The plots of FIG. 9 are aligned in time and occur at the sametime.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 9 is a plot of an operating state ofa selected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents the state ofthe selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and the sensor is in an“active” state when trace 902 is at the level of “A.” The sensor is in a“holding” state when trace 902 is at a level of “H.” The sensor is in a“stationary” state when trace 902 is at a level of “S.” The horizontalaxis represents time and time increases from the left side of the figureto the right side of the figure. Trace 902 represents the state of theselected sensor.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 9 is a plot of an operating stateof a first buddy sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents thestate of the first buddy sensor (e.g., an artic sensor) and the first“buddy” sensor is in an “active” state when trace 904 is at the level of“A.” The first buddy sensor is in a “holding” state when trace 904 is ata level of “H.” The first “buddy” sensor is in a “stationary” state whentrace 904 is at a level of “S.” The horizontal axis represents time andtime increases from the left side of the figure to the right side of thefigure. Trace 904 represents the state of the first “buddy” selectedsensor.

The third plot from the top of FIG. 9 is a plot of an operating state ofa second buddy sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents thestate of the second buddy sensor (e.g., an arm sensor) and the second“buddy” sensor is in an “active” state when trace 906 is at the level of“A.” The second buddy sensor is in a “holding” state when trace 906 isat a level of “H.” The second “buddy” sensor is in a “stationary” statewhen trace 906 is at a level of “S.” The horizontal axis represents timeand time increases from the left side of the figure to the right side ofthe figure. Trace 906 represents the state of the second “buddy”selected sensor.

The fourth plot from the top of FIG. 9 is a plot of a value stored in astuck high timer versus time. The vertical axis represents an amount oftime that is accumulated in the stuck high timer and the amount of timeincreases in the direction of the vertical axis arrow. The horizontalaxis represents time and time increases from the left side of the figureto the right side of the figure. Trace 908 represents the amount of timethat is stored in the stuck high timer. Horizontal line 950 represents athreshold amount of time that when exceeded by the stuck high timercauses mitigating actions to be taken (e.g., temporarily deactivate thevehicle or machine).

The fifth plot from the top of FIG. 9 is a plot of a vehicle or machineoperating state versus time. The vertical axis represents the operatingstate of the vehicle or machine. The vehicle or machine is on oroperating when trace 910 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis.The vehicle or machine is off or not operating when trace 910 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. Trace 910 represents theoperating state of the vehicle or machine. The horizontal axisrepresents time and time increases from the left side of the figure tothe right side of the figure.

At time t5, the selected sensor state, state of the 1^(st) buddy sensorof the selected sensor, and state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensor of theselected buddy sensor are all indicating “stationary” states. The stuckhigh timer value is zero and the vehicle is operating.

At time t6, the selected sensor state transitions to “active” while thestates of the state of the 1^(st) buddy sensor of the selected sensorand the state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensor of the selected buddy sensorare indicating “stationary.” Thus, the selected sensor output becomesdegraded as compared to its expected output. The value in the stuck hightimer begins to increase and the vehicle remains activated.

At time t7, the value in the stuck high timer exceeds threshold 950,which causes the vehicle to be deactivated. The selected sensor stateremains “active” while the states of the state of the 1^(st) buddysensor of the selected sensor and the state of the 2^(nd) buddy sensorof the selected buddy sensor are indicating “stationary.”

Referring now to FIG. 10 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 10 shows an example operatingsequence where angular rate output of a selected sensor is higher thanmay be expected. The plots of FIG. 10 are aligned in time and occur atthe same time.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 10 is a plot of an angular rate of aselected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents the angularrate of the selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and the angular rateof the sensor increase in the direction of the vertical axis arrow. Thehorizontal axis represents time and time increases from the left side ofthe figure to the right side of the figure. Trace 1002 represents theangular rate of the selected sensor. Horizontal line 1050 represents athreshold amount of angular rate that when exceeded causes the rate hightimer to increment.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 10 is a plot of a value stored in arate high timer versus time. The vertical axis represents an amount oftime that is accumulated in the rate high timer and the amount of timeincreases in the direction of the vertical axis arrow. The horizontalaxis represents time and time increases from the left side of the figureto the right side of the figure. Trace 1004 represents the amount oftime that is stored in the rate high timer. Horizontal line 1052represents a threshold amount of time that when exceeded by the ratehigh timer causes mitigating actions to be taken (e.g., temporarilydeactivate the vehicle or machine).

The third plot from the top of FIG. 10 is a plot of a vehicle or machineoperating state versus time. The vertical axis represents the operatingstate of the vehicle or machine. The vehicle or machine is on oroperating when trace 1006 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis.The vehicle or machine is off or not operating when trace 1006 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. Trace 1006 represents theoperating state of the vehicle or machine. The horizontal axisrepresents time and time increases from the left side of the figure tothe right side of the figure.

At time t10, the angular rate of the selected sensor is less thanthreshold 1050. The rate high timer value is zero and the vehicle isoperating.

At time t11, the angular rate of the selected sensor exceeds threshold1050 so that the value in the rate high timer begins to increase. Thevehicle remains activated.

At time t12, the value in the rate high timer exceeds threshold 1050,which causes the vehicle to be deactivated. The rate high timer valueceases increasing.

In this way, a vehicle or machine may be stopped or operate with reducedcapacity in response to an angular rate of a sensor exceeding athreshold. The threshold value may represent the maximum capacity of themachine. Thus, output of the sensor may be evaluated with respect to amaximum output of a machine instead of being compared to outputs ofother similarly situated sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 11 shows an example operatingsequence where inclination angle output of a selected sensor is lowerthan may be expected. The plots of FIG. 11 are aligned in time and occurat the same time.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 11 is a plot of an inclination angleof a selected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents theinclination angle of the selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and theinclination angle of the sensor increase in the direction of thevertical axis arrow. The horizontal axis represents time and timeincreases from the left side of the figure to the right side of thefigure. Trace 1102 represents the inclination angle of the selectedsensor. Horizontal line 1150 represents an upper threshold boundary thatwhen exceeded by the inclination angle causes mitigating actions to betaken (e.g., temporarily deactivate the vehicle or machine). Horizontalline 1152 represents a lower threshold boundary. If the inclinationangle is less than the level of horizontal line 1152, mitigating actionsto be taken.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 11 is a plot of a value stored inan out of bounds timer versus time. The vertical axis represents anamount of time that is accumulated in the out of bounds timer and theamount of time increases in the direction of the vertical axis arrow.The horizontal axis represents time and time increases from the leftside of the figure to the right side of the figure. Trace 1104represents the amount of time that is stored in the out of bounds timer.Horizontal line 1154 represents a threshold amount of time that whenexceeded by the out of bounds timer causes mitigating actions to betaken (e.g., temporarily deactivate the vehicle or machine).

The third plot from the top of FIG. 11 is a plot of a vehicle or machineoperating state versus time. The vertical axis represents the operatingstate of the vehicle or machine. The vehicle or machine is on oroperating when trace 1106 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis.The vehicle or machine is off or not operating when trace 1106 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. Trace 1106 represents theoperating state of the vehicle or machine. The horizontal axisrepresents time and time increases from the left side of the figure tothe right side of the figure.

At time t16, the inclination angle of the selected sensor is greaterthan threshold 1152 and less than threshold 1150. The out of boundstimer value is zero and the vehicle is operating.

At time t17, the angular rate of the selected sensor is less thanthreshold 1152 so that the value in the out of bounds timer begins toincrease. The vehicle remains activated.

At time t18, the value in the out of bounds timer exceeds threshold1154, which causes the vehicle to be deactivated. The out of limit timervalue ceases increasing.

In this way, a vehicle or machine may be stopped or operate with reducedcapacity in response to an inclination angle being out of bounds. Thebounds may represent the physical limits of the machine. Thus, output ofthe sensor may be evaluated with respect to physical boundary conditionsof the machine instead of being compared to outputs of other similarlysituated sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 12 shows an example operatingsequence where inclination angle output of a selected sensor is higherthan may be expected. The plots of FIG. 12 are aligned in time and occurat the same time.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 12 is a plot of an inclination angleof a selected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents theinclination angle of the selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and theinclination angle of the sensor increase in the direction of thevertical axis arrow. The horizontal axis represents time and timeincreases from the left side of the figure to the right side of thefigure. Trace 1202 represents the inclination angle of the selectedsensor. Horizontal line 1250 represents an upper threshold boundary thatwhen exceeded by the inclination angle causes mitigating actions to betaken (e.g., temporarily deactivate the vehicle or machine). Horizontalline 1252 represents a lower threshold boundary. If the inclinationangle is less than the level of horizontal line 1252, mitigating actionsto be taken.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 12 is a plot of a value stored inan out of bounds timer versus time. The vertical axis represents anamount of time that is accumulated in the out of bounds timer and theamount of time increases in the direction of the vertical axis arrow.The horizontal axis represents time and time increases from the leftside of the figure to the right side of the figure. Trace 1204represents the amount of time that is stored in the out of bounds timer.Horizontal line 1254 represents a threshold amount of time that whenexceeded by the out of bounds timer causes mitigating actions to betaken (e.g., temporarily deactivate the vehicle or machine).

The third plot from the top of FIG. 12 is a plot of a vehicle or machineoperating state versus time. The vertical axis represents the operatingstate of the vehicle or machine. The vehicle or machine is on oroperating when trace 1206 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis.The vehicle or machine is off or not operating when trace 1206 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. Trace 1206 represents theoperating state of the vehicle or machine. The horizontal axisrepresents time and time increases from the left side of the figure tothe right side of the figure.

At time t20, the inclination angle of the selected sensor is greaterthan threshold 1252 and less than threshold 1250. The out of boundstimer value is zero and the vehicle is operating.

At time t21, the angular rate of the selected sensor is greater thanthreshold 1250 so that the value in the out of bounds timer begins toincrease. The vehicle remains activated.

At time t22, the value in the out of bounds timer exceeds threshold1254, which causes the vehicle to be deactivated. The out of boundstimer value ceases increasing.

In this way, a vehicle or machine may be stopped or operate with reducedcapacity in response to an inclination angle being out of bounds. Thebounds may represent the physical limits of the machine. Thus, output ofthe sensor may be evaluated with respect to physical boundary conditionsof the machine instead of being compared to outputs of other similarlysituated sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , an example operating sequence that may beprovided via the system of FIGS. 1A-2 in cooperation with the method ofFIGS. 3-7 is shown. In particular, FIG. 13 shows an example operatingsequence where sensor resets occur. The plots of FIG. 13 are aligned intime and occur at the same time.

The first plot from the top of FIG. 13 is a plot of angular rate of aselected sensor versus time. The vertical axis represents the angularrate of the selected sensor (e.g., a boom sensor) and the angular rateof the sensor increase in the direction of the vertical axis arrow. Thehorizontal axis represents time and time increases from the left side ofthe figure to the right side of the figure. Trace 1302 represents theinclination angle of the selected sensor. Horizontal line 1350represents an angular rate of 25% of the angular rate at time t25.

The second plot from the top of FIG. 13 is a plot of a state of a sensorreset flag versus time. The vertical axis represents a state of thesensor reset flag and the sensor reset flag is true when trace 1304 isat a higher level near the vertical axis arrow. The sensor reset flag isfalse when trace 1304 is at a lower level near the horizontal axis. Thehorizontal axis represents time and time increases from the left side ofthe figure to the right side of the figure. Trace 1304 represents thesensor reset flag state.

The third plot from the top of FIG. 13 is a plot of sensor diagnosticstate versus time. The vertical axis represents the sensor diagnosticstate. The sensor diagnostics are activated when trace 1306 is at ahigher level near the vertical axis arrow. The sensor diagnostics arenot activated when trace 1306 is at a lower level near the horizontalaxis. Trace 1306 represents the sensor diagnostic operating state. Thehorizontal axis represents time and time increases from the left side ofthe figure to the right side of the figure.

At time t25, the angular rate is constant and the sensor reset flag isfalse indicating that the sensor has not been reset. Resetting thesensor may cause a constant angular rate to be subtracted from theangular rate that is determined via the sensor's gyro. The diagnosticstate is at a high level indicating that the diagnostic algorithm isactive (e.g., steps 374-399).

At time t26, the sensor resets itself based on the angular rate beingconstant. However, it may not be desirable to reset the sensor simplybecause the angular rate is constant. In particular, it may not bedesirable to reset the sensor if boundary limits of the sensor have notbeen exceeded. Therefore, the sensor diagnostic state is transitioned tonot asserted. The sensor reset flag is also asserted since the angularrate value has been reduced by more than 75% of its original value attime t25.

Between time t26 and time t27 the angular rate increases and then itbecomes a steady value. The sensor reset flag is unchanged and thediagnostic state is unchanged.

At time t27, the angular rate is constant once again and a correctivesensor reset is generated. As a result, the sensor reset flag is notasserted and sensor diagnostics are reactivated. In this way, a sensorreset may cause sensor diagnostics to be activated or temporarilydeactivated.

Note that the example control and estimation routines included hereincan be used with various vehicle or machine system configurations. Thecontrol methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored asexecutable instructions in non-transitory memory and may be carried outby the control system including the controller in combination with thevarious sensors, actuators, and other machine hardware. Further,portions of the methods may be physical actions taken in the real worldto change a state of a device. The specific routines described hereinmay represent one or more of any number of processing strategies such asevent-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and thelike. As such, various actions, operations, and/or functions illustratedmay be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in somecases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarilyrequired to achieve the features and advantages of the example examplesdescribed herein, but is provided for ease of illustration anddescription. One or more of the illustrated actions, operations and/orfunctions may be repeatedly performed depending on the particularstrategy being used. Further, the described actions, operations and/orfunctions may graphically represent code to be programmed intonon-transitory memory of the computer readable storage medium in theengine control system, where the described actions are carried out byexecuting the instructions in a system including the various enginehardware components in combination with the electronic controller. Oneor more of the method steps described herein may be omitted if desired.

It will be appreciated that the configurations and routines disclosedherein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific examples are notto be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations arepossible. For example, the above technology can be applied to cranes,excavators, scrapers, and other systems that include linked or coupledcomponents.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations andsub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims mayrefer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof.Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or moresuch elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more suchelements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosedfeatures, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed throughamendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims inthis or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower,equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regardedas included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

1. A method for operating a system that includes an array of sensors,comprising: characterizing operation of a first sensor as being in oneof a plurality of sensor states via a controller; characterizingoperation of each of a plurality of sensors as being in one of theplurality of sensor states via the controller; and indicating the firstsensor is degraded via the controller in response to the first sensorbeing in one of the plurality of sensor states and at least one of theplurality of sensors being in a different state than the one of theplurality of sensor states.
 2. The method of claim 1, where theplurality of sensors comprises an actual total of two sensors.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, where the plurality of sensor states include“stationary,” “holding,” and “active.”
 4. The method of claim 1, wherethe first sensor is in a “stationary” state, and where the at least oneof the plurality of sensors is in an “active” state.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, where the plurality of sensor states are based on angularmotion.
 6. The method of claim 1, where the plurality of sensors are“buddy” sensors that are located along a path of power transfer betweencoupled components.
 7. The method of claim 6, where the “buddy” sensorsare located downstream of the first sensor according to a direction ofpower transfer through the coupled components.
 8. The method of claim 1,where indicating includes adjusting an operating state of a device.
 9. Asystem for a machine that includes a plurality of sensors, comprising: aplurality of coupled components including at least one sensor coupled toeach of the plurality of coupled components; a controller including anon-transitory computer readable medium having executable instructionsto characterize operation of the at least one sensor coupled to each ofthe plurality of coupled components into one state included in a groupof states comprising “stationary,” “holding,” and “active,” andexecutable instructions to adjust a device in response to states of aselected sensor and two other sensors.
 10. The system of claim 9,further comprising additional executable instructions to start a timerin response to the states of the selected sensor and the two othersensors.
 11. The system of claim 9, further comprising additionalexecutable instructions to deactivate diagnostics for the at least onesensor coupled to each of the plurality of coupled components inresponse to an angular rate of one sensor changing more than a thresholdamount.
 12. The system of claim 11, where the angular rate of the onesensor changes by more than the threshold amount between two adjacentexecution cycles of a sensor monitoring algorithm.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising additional instructions to activatediagnostics for the at least one sensor coupled to each of the pluralityof coupled components in response to an angular rate of one sensorchanging more than a threshold amount.
 14. The system of claim 13,further comprising additional instructions to activate diagnostics forthe at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of coupledcomponents in further response to an angular rate of motion indicated byone or more of the at least one sensor coupled to each of the pluralityof coupled components exceeding a threshold rate.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, further comprising additional instructions to activatediagnostics for the at least one sensor coupled to each of the pluralityof coupled components in further response to the machine beingstationary for a threshold amount of time.